DAZE OF THE DEAD: Special Dia de Los Muertos Edition

by Javier Hernandez

A special Dia De Los Muertos edition of the classic El Muerto graphic novel, DAZE OF THE DEAD! This new edition, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the debut of El Muerto, features a new cover as well as all-new background material into the creation of El Muerto by creator Javier Hernandez. Diego de La Muerte, born on the Day of the Dead, undergoes a fatal accident and finds himself at the mercy of the Aztec gods of death and destiny. Sacrificed in a supernatural ritual and resurrected a year later, he finds himself amidst a circus freak show in Mexico and learns the bonds of friendship as well as the depths of inhumanity as he tries desperately to fathom the grand cosmic forces that gather around him.

156 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2018

About the author

Javier Hernandez is an American comic book artist, writer and podcast-radio host. Best known for creating the popular series El Muerto: The Aztec Zombie, Hernandez publishes his comics through his privately-owned imprint, Los Comex.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first part of Diego’s journey felt both real and fantastical—I love stories integrating religion, mythology, legend, or folklore into contemporary settings. Diego, born on Dia de los Muertos, grows up in a humble home of love and care. He lives a “normal” adolescence with friends, relationships, heartbreak, and the challenges that come with college-aged transitions. All the wrong (or right?) stars align on his 21st birthday, bringing him face-to-face with Aztec gods: Mictlantecuhtli, bent on mercilessly taking back the world, & Tezcatlipoca, who has plans of his own. The violence of Diego’s transformation sweeps across the pages and you’re alongside Diego the rest of the book as he tries to understand what his new “life” entails and what these gods have in store for him. Javier breathes life into the character of Diego, giving him and his friends depth and connection. In this 20th anniversary edition, readers will find quite a few Easter eggs and as well as backstory of Javier’s own journey from to El Muerto’s conception—I enjoyed the connection and context these provided. I look forward to the next installment!